Fiat India today launched the 2012 Punto and Linea models in New Delhi. The vehicles do not benefit from mechanical additions and are nothing but tweaked versions of the current models.
Interior colors have been refreshed and an all-new exterior color - Oceanic Blue - has been provided on both cars. Rain sensing wipers and Auto headlamps join the Linea's feature list.
Every variant on both models has been topped up with extra equipment and factors like ground clearance (185mm for Linea, 195mm for Punto 1.2 and 185mm for Punto 1.4), NVH and air conditioning have been improved.
2012 Fiat Punto prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi)
1.2 Active - 481279
1.2 Dynamic - 504384
1.4 Emotion - 654318
1.3 diesel Active - 548294
1.3 diesel Dynamic - 611307
1.3 diesel Emotion - 671324
2012 Fiat Linea prices (Ex-Showroom Delhi)
1.4 Active - 683832
1.4 Dynamic - 780855
1.3 diesel Active - 783854
1.3 diesel Dynamic - 883878
1.3 diesel Emotion - 918888
Three quick questions for Fiat India
Are there any changes to the T-Jet model?
The T-Jet variant remains as it is.
Since sales have been declining, what are your expectations from the coming months?
Making way for the model change by clearing the old stock is what we have been doing for the last couple of months. The feedback we got from the customers has been incorporated. It wont be wrong to say that we expect a very courageous response on these products.
Talk us through your plans for 2012
The plan for 2012 includes, apart from Tata dealer network, opening up 20-25 dedicated showroom. In some cases new workshops will also be established. So there will be certain improvement in the quality of network and we are closely working with Tata for improvement otherwise.
Is there a more powerful diesel coming to India?
No the 1.6 Multijet in not in the pipeline, but whatever customer demands, they will be taken stock of.
2012 Fiat Linea walkaround video
2012 Fiat Linea petrol brief review
Short Drive Fiat Linea Dynamic Petrol:
Today at an event in Delhi Fiat unveiled the 2012 model of the Linea & Punto. The changes made to the models are merely cosmetic & improvements made using customer feedback.
IAB got a chance to drive the upgraded Linea 1.4 Fire Petrol Dynamic version just after the launch.
Though the drive was not an extensive one, our short stint behind the wheel gave us a taste of what to expect from the Italian hotness.
I won't talk about how the car looks, as the Linea is nothing short of drop dead gorgeous. A coat of wax is enough to maintain her divine glow.
The engine refinement cannot match up to the City or the new Verna. It comes close to the Vento/Rapid. There is a constant hum from the engine at all RPMs. I won't call this engine a rev monster but it doesn't mind being revved once in a while. The engine behaves like a diesel as the fleshy part lies in the mid-range. It lacks punch at the low-end and top-end of the rev band.
The clutch is very hard for a petrol car, rush hour driving will need lot of muscle flexing.
The Linea and Punto have set the benchmark in their segments for ride and handling. The 2012 model glides over potholes without any drama, its rock solid at triple digit speeds and the steering responds in a direct manner. The ground clearance has been upped to 185mm, challenging some off-roaders.
The look and feel of interiors have improved over the previous model. It is well appointed and panel gaps are noticeably tighter. The music system is given some spunk with the change in speakers but they still leave a lot to be desired. As per Fiat the A.C has been beefed up but that one we can't verify in Delhi winter!
Wait for detailed review of the upgraded models, coming soon on IAB!
2012 Fiat Linea and Punto Image Slideshow
Can't see the slideshow above? Head over to the 2012 Fiat Linea and Punto Flickr Page to view the images
